OTHER VERNAL POOL EVENTS IN OHIO

Join Jim Osborn, retired Ohio Department of Natural Resources naturalist, as he explores the vernal pools, sometimes called Nature’s Nurseries. Vernal pools are seasonal wetlands that fill with water in late fall or early spring and provide vital breeding habitats for amphibians such as salamanders and frogs.

​The woods at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park are a very good place to take a long walk. This time of the year, if you love spring wildflowers, it’s a great place. Yesterday, with that in mind, we packed water and a lunch and headed out with the goal of seeing trilliums and perhaps a few spring warblers..

The park’s spring woods contain many shallow pools that usually last a few weeks and are gone. The aesthetics of these vernal pools is primarily what attracts me but the real magic is that, due to their lack of predatory fish, they are home to a variety insects and other small creatures. The most obvious of these being various species of frogs and toads which use the pools for reproduction. Salamanders may also use them to reproduce. Depending on location fairy shrimp may also be part of the mix.

Vernal Pool-OozaSunday, March 10, 20192:00 P.M.Gallant Woods Preserve2150 Buttermilk Hill RoadDelaware, OH 43015Salamanders, fairy shrimp, and other creatures are waiting to be discovered in the woodland vernal pools. Hike with park district staff as we explore the wildlife living in and around pools of melted snow. Waterproof boots are recommended for this off-trail program. Free; ages 5+

Vernal Pool MonitoringMarch 15, 2019, 6:30 P.M.Stratford Ecological Center3083 Liberty RoadDelaware, OhioIt’s time for the spring awakening in the wetlands. At 6:30pm vernal pool experts will help you get up-close and personal with some of the creatures who make the vernal pools their home. After learning inside we will put on our mud boots for a night hike to the vernal pool. We will listen for mating calls and look for salamanders, frogs and egg masses. You will be participating in a state-wide preservation effort of one of Ohio’s disappearing ecosystem.

Fee: $3 per person

Advanced registration required.Cancellations MUST BE RECEIVED 14 DAYS PRIOR to program date for full refund.

To Register: call 740-363-2548

Amphibian and Reptile ConferenceTuesday, March 20, 20194-H Center2201 Fred Taylor Dr. Columbus, OH To register or for more information (including a draft schedule of events) visit: OHPARC websiteThe Ohio Amphibian & Reptile Conference is the annual meeting of the Ohio chapter of Partners in Amphibian & Reptile Conservation (OHPARC) and takes the place of the previous biannual amphibian and reptile conferences. This one-day event is meant to bring together everyone in the state who has an interest in Ohio's amphibians, reptiles, and their habitats, including professionals, amateurs, and students. This year, we are excited to announce Dr. Justin Congdon as our keynote speaker. Dr. Congdon is one of the world's foremost authorities on freshwater turtle conservation, having authored over 70 articles and 11 book chapters.Registration by February 28 includes lunch and is a very reasonable $45 ($25 for students) thanks to support from The Toledo Zoo & Aquarium, The Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, The Ohio State University, The Ohio Division of Wildlife, The United States Fish & Wildlife Service, and Enviroscience. Registrations after February 28 and walk-up registrations (space permitting) are the same price, but do not include lunch. ​​​

Come observe and explore a vernal pool with Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalists. We will share the functions and importance of a vernal pool and give you the opportunity to view the life of the pool through observation and microscopes. FREE event; no registration required. Details HERE.